Everyone in our Notre Dame community extends our warmest congratulations to Bishop Ralph Heskett, Emeritus Bishop of Hallam, as he celebrates the wonderful milestone of his Golden Jubilee of Ordination.
This year marks 50 years since Bishop Ralph was ordained to the priesthood on 10 July 1976. The date holds even greater significance, as it also marks the anniversary of his consecration as the seventh Bishop of Gibraltar in 2010 and his installation as the third Bishop of Hallam in 2014.
Bishop Ralph’s Golden Jubilee Mass, celebrated at St Marie’s Cathedral, Sheffield, was a truly joyful and uplifting occasion. It was heartwarming to see so many priests gathered together to celebrate this special anniversary and to show their love, respect and gratitude for Bishop Ralph and his many years of faithful ministry. We were also honoured to see Bishop Marcus Stock and Cardinal Vincent Nichols among the clergy and congregation, making the celebration even more memorable.
As a school community, we are deeply grateful for Bishop Ralph’s years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Hallam and for the care, encouragement and support he has always shown to Notre Dame. His commitment to Catholic education, and especially to the faith and wellbeing of our young people, has been a blessing to our school and will be remembered with great affection.
Although we will miss Bishop Ralph greatly, we wish him every joy and blessing as he begins his retirement. We thank him for his faithful leadership, his kindness and his friendship, and we assure him of our continued prayers.
May God continue to bless Bishop Ralph with good health, happiness and peace in the years ahead. Thank you, Bishop Ralph, for your faithful service and for all you have done for our Notre Dame family.
